Armstrong targets Champions League return after group exit

Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong believes Celtic will be stronger next term for their Champions League experience this season.

The 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Tuesday night meant the Hoops finished with three points, their place at the bottom of Group C already confirmed before they travelled to the Etihad stadium.

Armstrong noted the improvement from the 7-0 defeat by Barcelona in the Nou Camp on match day one – they also drew 3-3 at home with City and 1-1 away to Borussia Monchengladbach – to the well-deserved draw in Manchester, albeit against an under-strength English side.

The former Dundee United player is already looking forward to next season’s European opportunities after the Ladbrokes Premiership leaders reached the group stage for the first time in three years.

“It was obviously a dream come true to play Champions League football but once you accomplish that, you want to do well in it,” said the 24-year-old.

“We definitely improved and it was an enjoyable occasion last night. Although there wasn’t too much up for grabs, a good performance by the team was important.

“It is not about proving a point, it is about learning and developing and I think we did that from when we started the campaign to where we are now.

“It gives you a hunger to come back next season again and keep improving and keep on being there.”

Meanwhile the Hoops are awaiting the results of a scan on James Forrest’s hamstring after the player went off injured against City.

Forrest left the pitch early in the second half after feeling tightness in his leg and manager Brendan Rodgers hopes the Scotland winger caught the problem in time.

Uefa has started disciplinary proceedings against the Scottish champions for the behaviour of their supporters during Tuesday’s game.

The Hoops face charges from European football’s governing body for setting off fireworks and “crowd disturbances” at the Etihad. The case will be dealt with on February 23.